Visually Stunning Handheld that Makes the Console Shine
There is a certain quality that you can expect from Naughty Dog games and it doesn't seem like they take anything lightly. Of all the Uncharted games, the buzz around this one was by far the quietest. When I started playing this game, I didn't know what to expect. Much to my surprise, though the story didn't blow me away, the controls were intuitive and easy to pick up. The Vita itself is designed so much like the PS3 controller that I didn't find myself getting confused about buttons as I do on occasion while playing my 3DS.
In Uncharted Golden Abyss, Nathan Drake is not as old or seasoned as we know him and is working a project that goes sideways fairly quickly. In no time, Nate is being bombarded from all directions, fighting off soldiers and mercenaries as he tries to assist a woman he meets in the forest, Chase, a employer, Dante, and Sully, when he is called into the fray. Like all Uncharted games, the style is a cover shooter and there is plenty of cover, ruins, to hide behind as you face more and more well equipped adversaries.
What Uncharted lacks in originality, it makes up for in lush environments that, at times, do resemble one another, but still prove interesting. Other than the main campaign, there are also collectibles to pick up throughout the game. The sound and graphics were all top notch, only once in a while did I notice a glitch here or there. The only detraction I can really give the game is that while it kept me engaged and somewhat challenged, I felt like I'd done it before on a much bigger screen. As the game is currently free for PS+ members, by all means pick it up. As a game to showcase all the cool features of the Vita, interactive screen and stunning graphics, it goes a long way. The game is well worth playing, something for a vacation or long plane trip. It won't change anything you know about the series, nor add anything, but it is just plain fun.